Tower Hamlets Council has secured £300,000 in government funding to pilot a new Young Futures Hub, aimed at providing safe spaces, wellbeing support and targeted intervention for young people at risk of crime and antisocial behaviour.
The hub, which could open as early as March next year, will be one of just eight trial sites across England — and the only one in London — selected by the government as part of a national early-adopter programme.
Designed to support young people aged 10 to 18, the hub will offer universal access while providing targeted support for vulnerable young people, including those at risk of or already involved in crime.
According to the government, the Young Futures Hubs are being trialled in areas facing “considerable challenges”, including poverty, discrimination, and limited access to social and educational support. Its website states that the eight selected locations also experience high levels of antisocial behaviour and knife crime.
However, Tower Hamlets Council says its selection reflects not only need, but the borough’s strong track record in youth provision.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said the council has already invested £13.7 million into youth services, with plans to establish a youth centre in every ward.
“I’m extremely pleased that Tower Hamlets has been recognised as a leader in youth service provision and chosen to help shape this important national programme,” he said.
“This partnership with government is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen that commitment and enable our experience to inform a model that benefits young people across the country.”
A council spokesperson said the hub will bring a wide range of services together under one roof, working alongside partners across health, community safety, crime reduction, employment and skills.
Support on offer is expected to include:
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Health and wellbeing services
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One-to-one targeted support for vulnerable young people
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Workshops addressing crime, substance misuse, knife crime and the misuse of nitrous oxide
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Diversionary and positive activities
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Support for young people in the criminal justice system, including a reparations programme
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Victim support and help accessing training and employment
The aim, the council says, is to ensure young people can access specialist advice, early intervention and practical support in a single, safe environment.
While the final location has yet to be confirmed, the council says the hub is likely to be based at Haileybury Youth Centre in Stepney.
The pilot will be funded through the £300,000 government grant, alongside a one-off £500,000 contribution from the council’s local youth transformation fund.
As the programme gets underway, the trial will be closely watched to assess whether the model can deliver long-term change and reduce the risks facing young people — both locally and nationally.
